I think we can say that the End-of-Summer Trail Ride was a success although there are things I'd change if we do it again. This is a learning process for all of us. The vast majority of people had fun, enjoyed both the ride and the meal, and appreciated our efforts in putting it together.

I can say that everyone was grateful to Gerri and Bob for allowing us to meet at Windward Farm. Most horsemen, and foxhunters in particular, realize how indebted we are to our landowners. Thank you!

We had several people from Bedford County Hunt, Glenmore Hunt, and Oak Ridge Fox Hunt. It was really great to see these folks and have a chance to chat. Their willingness to come out on a hot summer evening is greatly appreciated. Everyone is looking forward to cooler weather and the start of hunting!

We're asking for comments, suggestions, feedback on an anonymous form. If that doesn't work for you, feel free to send me (Cindy Morton) an email: mortonc@wlu.edu. And, just to have everything in one place, you may want to read the original announcement of the ride.

End-of-Summer Trail Ride Aug 27, 2006 Windward Farm

Comments received as of September 5
From those who did attend:
We probably should have had three groups - walk only, walk - trot and the run & jump.
Thanks to all that made this possible. Could you please arrange the weather to be a bit cooler. Thanks!
I heard several people say that there should have been a third group that would have been a "walk-trot-canter" group. I guess they wanted to go faster, but not jump or gallop.
Perhaps there could be some type of games/activities set up for children/parents/nonriders to participate in, so the wait does not seem so long to await the riders return.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole event and hope you have it again.
I wanted you to know how much we appreciated everyone's efforts in making the trail ride a great success in my opinion. It was not miserably hot as I thought it would be given the weather forecast.
Thank you for your efforts!! I had a very nice time. Since my horse wasn't in top shape, I didn't go first flight. But I would have liked a little more action, maybe some cantering and a few simple jumps. But, considering the heat, we probably did just right. It was really good to see so many people out! Again, thank you!
To have a fast group with as many gates as possible open so non jumpers can keep up, to have a walk/trot group, and a slow/walk group. the walk group was definately too large. I would also suggest charging a nominal fee for members ($5) and possibly $10 for non-members just to cover costs as well as help provide more main dishes such as chicken.
Other than adjust the thermastat can't think of anything to change. The territory was beautiful, the hosts / landowners gracious, and the options offered to the riders accomadating. What more can you ask for. Except, ...wasn't it on Saturday? - or did the heat mush my brain / memory?
No changes. Good place and good to have water and hose. Liked the split into two groups. Perfered the pm time. Early AM with breakfast would be ok too. Thanks to all those who helped to pull it together.

From those who did not attend:
The weather was unbearbly hot and humid that day, not something that can be controled. However, you might want to consider riding early in the morning and having a lunch instead of a supper.
I would love to have been able to ride w/the folks at Rockbridge. It was necessary for me to work on a hunt clinic that we have scheduled for next weekend. There needs to be more time that 24 hours in a day!!! Sometimes!!! Thanks for inviting us and everyone said they had a GREAT time!
I had a scheduling conflict. I certainly would have gone if not for that.
It conflicted with another horse activity that day. I would have loved to come if not for that.
I had another weekend ride scheduled
TRY AGAIN!!! Most excellent idea...calenders get full and I don't recall this event being offered in previous years...give it another chance around same time and hopefully more people can plan to attend! Thank you SO much for all your hard work in pulling it together...looking for places to "leg-up" for hunt season. Trail riding is so relaxing and much fun!